If you’ve been injured in an car accident, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages quickly add up. You have no car after an accident. It's a total loss. What are your rights?, Learn more about car damage here.
🚗 Got Questions About Your Car Accident Case? You’re Not Alone.
When people reach out for a free consultation, the same important questions come up time and time again:
How long will my case take?
How much is my car accident claim worth?
How do I find the best car accident lawyer near me?
If you’re injured in a car accident or just starting to explore your legal options, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. The legal process can be confusing, and insurance companies aren’t looking out for you.
That’s why I’ve put together this guide to the most frequently asked questions. I’ll break down what you need to know, so you can feel more confident and prepared.
Car Accident Injury Lawyers - helpful or not?:
🚨 Do I Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident?
Short Answer: If you were injured or your car was totaled, yes. Here’s why hiring a lawyer makes a difference:
✔ Maximizes Your Compensation – Insurance companies lowball you. A lawyer negotiates for more.
✔ Handles Insurance Hassles – Adjusters use tactics to pay as little as possible.
✔ Gives You Leverage – When you have an attorney, insurers take your case more seriously.
🤔 When Do You Not Need a Lawyer?
🚫 Minor fender bender, no injuries
🚫 Total repair cost is under $1,000
🚫 No disputes over fault
👉 Rule of Thumb: If your medical bills exceed $3,000 or you missed work due to injuries, consult a lawyer.
What Does a Lawyer Do for You?
A skilled lawyer will evaluate your car accident injury claim and gather crucial evidence to back up your case. They will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, fight for fair compensation, and even represent you in court if needed. The key is not to settle for less when your health and future are on the line.
A good personal injury lawyer will also help you find ways to pay your medical bills caused by a car accident before your reach a conclusion to your case which can take several months to years. Likewise, your attorney will help you recover money when your car is a total loss.
Apis Law will not charge you a separate fee for helping you find ways to pay your medical bills and to obtain insurance money to fix or replace your damaged car.
💡 How Do I Choose the Right Car Accident Lawyer?
Not all personal injury attorneys are equal. Here’s what to look for:
🔹 Experience: 21+ years of litigation experience = better results.
🔹 Track Record: Ask about past settlements & verdicts.
🔹 Local Knowledge: New Hampshire laws & courts are unique.
❌ Avoid “Settlement Mill” Firms
Some firms rush to settle cases instead of fighting for maximum compensation. Ask:
Will you personally handle my case?
Do you prepare cases for trial, or just settle?
Have you taken cases to court and won?
🔥 At Apis Law, I personally handle your case – no passing you off to an assistant.
📞 Call (603) 785-1013 for a Free Consultation
⚖️ How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
Most personal injury lawyers (including Apis Law) work on a contingency fee basis:
No upfront costs – You pay nothing unless you win.
Typical fee: 33% of your settlement
No hidden costs or hourly fees
🔹 Other firms charge 40%+ if they take your case to trial.
🔹 At Apis Law, it’s always 1/3 – whether we settle or go to trial.
Contact Apis Law for Your Free Consult. Ask Attorney Diaz about his contingency fee agreement.
💵 Who Pays Your Car Accident Settlement?
Your settlement comes from one or more sources:
1️⃣ At-Fault Driver’s Insurance – Pays for medical bills, lost wages, car damage.
2️⃣ Your Own Insurance (UM/UIM Coverage) – If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured.
3️⃣ Commercial Insurance – If a company vehicle or rideshare (Uber/Lyft) was involved.
4️⃣ Government Liability – If bad roads or traffic light failures played a role.
🚨 Warning: Insurance adjusters will try to underpay. Don’t accept a low offer before talking to a lawyer.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
📉 Should I Talk to the Insurance Company?
Short answer: No – let your lawyer handle it.
❌ What Insurance Adjusters Do:
🚫 Trick you into admitting fault
🚫 Make you settle before knowing your full injuries
🚫 Use anything you say to reduce your payout
✅ What Your Lawyer Does Instead:
✔ Handles all communication – You don’t have to talk to them.
✔ Negotiates for full compensation – Not a lowball offer.
✔ Protects you from insurance tricks.
📞 Before speaking with the insurance company, call (603) 785-1013.
⏳ Wait Until You’re Fully Healed – Don’t Rush Your Settlement!
One of the biggest mistakes car accident victims make is settling too soon.
🚑 Why does it matter?
Some injuries worsen over time—what seems minor today could lead to long-term complications.
Insurance companies rush to settle early before the full extent of your injuries is clear.
Once you accept an offer, you can’t go back for more compensation later.
✅ What You Should Do Instead
✔ Wait Until Treatment is Complete – You need to know the full cost of recovery.
✔ Reject the First Offer – Insurance companies lowball you to save money.
✔ Talk to an Attorney First – A lawyer will calculate your real case value and fight for full compensation.
💡 Tip: If you’re still in pain or receiving medical treatment, it’s too early to settle.
📞 Before accepting anything, call (603) 785-1013 for a free consultation.
Contact Apis Law for Your Free Consult. Ask Attorney Diaz his thoughts on your car accident injuries.
⏳ How Long Will My Case Take?
Your car accident case could take a few months to 2+ years, depending on:
⏳ Severity of Injuries – Bigger injuries = higher settlement, but longer process.
⏳ Insurance Company Tactics – Some insurers delay on purpose.
⏳ Lawsuit Required? – Cases that go to trial take longer but can be worth more.
👉 Want a fast settlement? Insurance will lowball you. We fight for full compensation.
Car Accident Injury Case Evaluation
📂 What Information Do I Need to Evaluate My Case?
To build a strong car accident claim, your lawyer needs key details about your accident and injuries. The more information you provide, the better your chances of securing maximum compensation.
✅ Essential Documents for Case Evaluation
✔ Medical Records – Include all treatment details, doctor visits, and diagnoses.
✔ Police Report – A crucial document outlining who was at fault.
✔ Accident Details – Location, date, time, road conditions, and any witness statements.
✔ Injury & Treatment Updates – Ongoing pain? Physical therapy? Surgery needed? These factors impact case value.
✔ Insurance Information – Your policy details and the at-fault party’s insurance coverage.
💡 Pro Tip: A broken bone is generally worth more in a settlement than soft tissue injuries like whiplash. Every case is unique, and your injuries determine your compensation.
🏆 What Are My Chances of Winning My Case?
Every case is different, but an experienced lawyer will assess:
🔹 Who was at fault? – Clear liability = stronger case.
🔹 How severe are your injuries? – More medical treatment = higher settlement.
🔹 What’s the insurance coverage? – Some policies limit payouts.
A skilled attorney can maximize your case value and negotiate a fair settlement.
📞 Call (603) 785-1013 for a Free Case Review – Find Out What Your Claim is Worth!
Case evaluation is not simple. It is one of the primary reasons why you should contact experience counsel. Contact Apis Law for Your Free Consult.
Legal Process
🚀 What Happens After You Hire a Lawyer?
Once you hire a car accident lawyer, your case starts moving forward immediately. Here’s what happens next:
1️⃣ Your Lawyer Contacts the Insurance Company
The at-fault party’s insurance company is notified that you have legal representation.
This prevents insurers from pressuring you into a low settlement.
2️⃣ Investigating the Case & Gathering Evidence
Your attorney will collect:
✔ Medical records & bills
✔ Police reports & witness statements
✔ Surveillance footage (if available)
3️⃣ Determining Available Insurance Coverage
Your lawyer will identify all possible sources of compensation, including:
The at-fault driver’s insurance
Your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
4️⃣ Waiting Until You Reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)
Why? You should never settle before knowing the full extent of your injuries.
If you need ongoing treatment or surgery, this affects your settlement value.
5️⃣ Negotiating a Fair Settlement
Once your treatment is complete, your lawyer will demand compensation for:
Medical bills
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Future medical care
6️⃣ Filing a Lawsuit (If Needed)
If the insurance company refuses a fair offer, your attorney will take them to court.
⚖ New Hampshire Statute of Limitations: You have 3 years to file a lawsuit.
📞 Call (603) 785-1013 for a Free Consultation – We’ll Handle the Insurance Battle for You!
📄 What Is a "Demand Package"?
A demand package is a formal request sent to the insurance company that outlines:
✔ Your injuries – Including medical records & doctor reports
✔ Proof of damages – Medical bills, lost wages, property damage
✔ Pain & suffering calculations – Emotional & physical distress
🔹 Why It Matters: This kickstarts settlement negotiations and proves the full extent of your claim. A well-prepared demand package can lead to a faster and higher settlement.
⚖️ Will My Case Go to Trial?
Most car accident cases settle before trial, but if the insurance company won’t offer fair compensation, your lawyer must be ready and willing to fight in court.
🔹 Why Cases Go to Trial:
✔ The insurance company refuses to pay full damages
✔ The insurer blames you for the accident
✔ There’s a dispute over medical costs or long-term injuries
💪 At Apis Law, Attorney Diaz has extensive trial experience and won’t back down.
📞 Call (603) 785-1013 for a Free Consultation – Let’s Get You the Compensation You Deserve.
Damages
💰 What Types of Damages Can I Recover in a Car Accident Injury Case?
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to several types of compensation, including:
✅ Economic Damages (Financial Losses)
These are actual costs you’ve incurred as a result of the accident:
✔ Medical Expenses – Emergency room visits, surgeries, medications, therapy, future treatment
✔ Lost Wages – If you missed work due to your injuries
✔ Loss of Future Earnings – If your injuries affect your ability to work long-term
✔ Property Damage – Repair or replacement of your vehicle
✔ Out-of-Pocket Costs – Travel expenses for medical care, home modifications if needed
✅ Non-Economic Damages (Pain & Suffering)
These damages compensate for the physical and emotional impact of the accident:
✔ Pain & Suffering – Ongoing physical pain, discomfort, and limitations
✔ Emotional Distress – Anxiety, PTSD, depression from the trauma
✔ Loss of Enjoyment of Life – If you can no longer engage in hobbies or daily activities
✔ Permanent Disability or Disfigurement – If injuries lead to long-term impairment
🔹 Example: Many car accident victims develop a fear of driving after a traumatic crash. If this impacts your daily life, it’s part of your pain and suffering claim.
🧮 How Are Pain and Suffering Damages Calculated?
Unlike medical bills, pain and suffering damages don’t have a set price tag. Instead, insurance companies and courts consider:
✔ Severity of Your Injuries – More serious injuries = higher pain and suffering compensation
✔ Length of Recovery – Long-term or permanent conditions increase the claim’s value
✔ Impact on Daily Life – If you can’t work, drive, or do normal activities, it’s worth more
✔ Medical Documentation – Doctor’s notes, therapy records, and pain logs strengthen your case
💡 Two Common Methods Used to Calculate Pain & Suffering:
1️⃣ Multiplier Method: Your economic damages (medical bills, lost wages) are multiplied by a number (typically 2 to 3), depending on the severity of your injuries.
2️⃣ Per Diem Method: A daily rate is assigned to your pain, multiplied by the number of days you’ve suffered.
💪 An experienced lawyer will push for the highest possible compensation—not the lowball amount insurance companies try to offer.
📞 Call (603) 785-1013 for a Free Case Evaluation – Find Out What Your Case is Worth!
Contact Apis Law. Attorney Diaz has been evaluating damages in personal injury cases for more than twenty years.
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